Divorce because I betrayed her trust - PART 7

[DaB35]

Hi DS.

Sometimes I think it'd be nice to just go to loads of dealerships and just test drive loads of cars. A huge range - Audi, Land Rover, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Ford. Just to have something to do! Then make very non-committal noises to the dealer and say 'I'll think about it'.

I've always liked the Subaru Legacy Outback - can't afford one though.

I have done a track day at Silverstone racetrack (my old job got it for me as a leaving present). Drove a V12 Aston Martin Vantage 3 laps - got up to 176mph down the final straight, and in the wet too as it was raining when I went out! Was exhilarating - loved it.

For everyday cars I need it to tick the "practical" and "boot space" boxes. I also like lots of creature comforts - cruise control, electric everything, parking sensors, extra safety features etc. I was looking at a type of hybrid (used to have one a couple of years ago, and loved it) as I'm not driving that much now. Unfortunately, the monthly payments were too high, or my deposit had to be very big, and I didn't want to eat into my house sale proceeds too much as I'm saving that for my own place in the near future. Also, after doing some sums, getting a small petrol engine with a particular type of auto gearbox fitted would give me virtually the same economy as a hybrid, and cheaper, because I'm not paying for the extra technology. Still efficient and less damaging to the environment than a big 3.0 diesel though.

One day I'd like to own a Tesla - perhaps when I win the lottery haha!

I went for a Toyota Avensis estate. Amazingly comfortable ride, light to steer, responsive, quiet, and a huge boot for my instruments (can get way more than just castanets in it lol). Almost top spec - has every option fitted (including panoramic roof), just doesn't have heated seats and full leather - I can live with that!

I worked the dealer hard (was there for over 2 hours) and haggled a lot off the monthly payments and got them to chuck extra freebies in to sweeten the deal. I read up on how to haggle and put the tips to good use. I'm now saving £400 a year straightaway, and I get a much bigger car for the pleasure of it!! My sister has now asked me to come with her to the garage when she needs to change car!

Picking it up later this week. Excited!